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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

I got home from work a day early this week, which allowed John to plan a surprise date on Friday evening. He told me we would be leaving around 7:00 PM, but didn't tell me what he had in mind. I love surprises, and I know he has great taste (married me, etc.), so I knew I was in for a treat. He printed tickets but wouldn't let me see what they were for. After he taught me how to play chess (I hate it right now because I am not good...hopefully practice will change that), we hopped in the car and headed south on Gilbert Road. I got excited because that is the direction of Hale Center Theatre, which we have attended before and seen good shows. When we drove past that, I was still excited but definitely baffled as to where we were going! John pulled into a middle school parking lot and walked me to the door of the auditorium. Only when I saw the program did I know what he had done! He had take me to my favorite musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers! What a treat! And I saw his leg bouncing along with the music and dancing every once in a while, so maybe he enjoyed himself, too. The Gilbert Fine Arts Association did a great production, and the dancing scene in town was incredible! I hated to see it end. John then took me for a burger at In and Out, which is always yummy. He is incredibly thoughtful and is always finding ways to make me smile!

We took a 5-night, 6-day cruise from New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico for our honeymoon! Neither of us had been on one before, and what better way to travel during our first week as husband and wife. It was freezing as we walked to the ship port from our hotel in the French Quarter of New Orleans. A line was already forming to get onto the ship, even though we showed up two hours before boarding time. We stood in line for an hour to clear through security, all the while being congratulated that we each only brought one small suitcase for the entire week! Some couples had eight bags between them! We got on the boat and found our cabin. Then we explored the ship and froze on the deck waiting for departure. Tuesday was our day at sea, but it was still chilly outside until that evening when we were closer to Mexico. We spent Wednesday exploring ancient Mayan ruins in Dzibilchaltun near Progresso, Yucatan. It was neat to be so close to history. Thursday was our snorkeling day in Cozumel. The water was beautiful, but it was very windy and that made for some tall waves. Being in a tiny boat for three separate snorkel stops, I got bounced around pretty well. During our last dip in the water, I shared some breakfast with the fishies and felt better! Friday was our day at sea heading back to port. Saturday morning, we left the boat at 7:30 AM and walked to Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter so John could try some beignets. Very yummy! I have been to New Orleans several times for work, but it is never clean. We caught a cab to the airport and arrived four hours early for our flight. After trying to nap on the benches, we talked and read books until our flight boarded. My sister, T'liese, and her husband, Joe, picked us up at the airport and took us to their house, which is where we left our car. Upon arrival at home, we took a nap. I slept for four hours, and when I woke up, my husband was finishing the third load of laundry! Yes, he IS a dream come true. It was a nice trip, but we were glad to be home. And who says the honeymoon has to end after the honeymoon!? It was such a treat to be with John for a whole week! I never get sick of that boy!

The evening was perfect! We had our Open House in the backyard of Alan and Kathy Swensen, some dear friends of ours. I had great help from Stephanie, Laurie, Cassie, Kathy, T'liese, and Megan (and all of their spouses!) to decorate and arrange food. The Open House couldn't have been better! We had a great time greeting friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The chocolate fountain was a success, and I managed to keep it all away from the white dress! It was the perfect evening to end a perfect day. I married an incredible man, and I am one lucky lady.

Our Wedding Day was on Saturday, October 25, 2008. I was so anxious for it to get here, and it finally did! The day was a dream, and we had a wonderful time. John and I were sealed together for All Time and Eternity in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. We were surrounded by friends and family to celebrate our weekend. A few days before the wedding, we spent a few hours at the temple with our photographer, Lee Grant. This is what came out of that session! The last few photos were of our actual wedding day when we emerged from the temple as husband and wife!